AUBURN, Ala. (WIAT) — A new policy taking effect on August 21st will make Auburn University a smoke-free campus. Auburn is joining the nearly 1,200 colleges and universities that have banned smoking on campus in the past few years.

The new policy outlaws smoking for everyone including students, faculty and staff members, as well as, consultants, contractors and visitors to the university.

The ban prohibits smoking on all university grounds, university-owned vehicles and property leased to or managed by the university. The only exceptions are areas of controlled research, or educational, theatrical or religious ceremonial purposes, with appropriate permission granted.

Currently, all remaining exterior ashtrays for cigarette butts in currently designated smoking-allowed areas on campus are being removed. Some ashtrays are set to be relocated to the campus periphery for smokers to get rid of their smoking products as they enter campus.

The Campus Health and Wellness Committee is set to monitor the policy. The committee chair is appointed by the university president, and its membership includes faculty, staff and student representatives as well as others from specific offices from around the university.